Mounting Apparatus for an Electronic Device

ABSTRACT

An adjustable mounting apparatus for electronic devices is configured to be adaptable to various support structures, and to facilitate a customized mount orientation for the electronic devices through several degrees of pivot freedom. The mounting apparatus is particularly adaptable to outdoor or industrial environments in which standard support structure modalities may not be available.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mounting apparatus generally, and moreparticularly to mounting apparatus for securing one or more electronicdevices to a base member, such as a post. The mounting apparatus isadjustable about and along several axis for customization of a viewangle to the mounted electronic device. In some embodiments, themounting apparatus is adapted for use in connection with mobilevehicles, including agricultural and industrial vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As electronic devices have found valuable use in a wide variety ofapplications and physical settings, mounting apparatus that isspecifically configured for the electronic devices can enable efficientuser interaction therewith. Example electronic devices that may be usedin connection with mounting apparatus include tablet computers, cellularphones, payment terminals, and computer monitors. While many electronicdevice mounting systems have been introduced over the recent years, manyare deficient in their adjustability and adaptability for connection tovarious support members.

A particular physical setting that requires substantial adjustabilityand adaptability is in outdoor or industrial workplace environments,such as in connection with warehouses, storage equipment, motorizedvehicles, and the like. The support structures to which electronicdevice mounting apparatus may be secured in these environments arevaried, and may include “posts” that broadly defines rails, railings,uprights, beams, studs, rods, and the like. An example “post” as usedherein may be a roll cage member of a fork lift or skid steer vehicle.Because the posts encountered in outdoor an industrial workplaceenvironments have various sizes, shapes, and orientations, a need existsfor electronic device mounting apparatus to be adaptable for connectionthereto, as well as to be highly adjustable to facilitate the mostefficient user interaction possible when the apparatus is connected tothe posts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By means of the present invention, electronic devices may be adjustablymounted in a variety of physical settings. The adjustable mountingapparatus of the present invention is capable of mounting to posts ofvarious dimension and shape, and facilitates adjustment of a mountingorientation about and along a plurality of axes.

In one embodiment, the adjustable mounting apparatus of the presentinvention includes an arm that extends between a first pivot joint and asecond pivot joint, wherein the first pivot joint is rotatably connectedabout a first pivot axis to a mount having a first mount body that isseparate from and fastenable to a second mount body. Each of the firstand second mount bodies have a brace surface and a generally opposedouter surface that defines a mount body thickness therebetween, and alength axis and a perpendicular width axis. The first and second mountbodies each include a slotted opening that is configured to receive afastener therein to thereby fasten the first and second bodies to apost. The slotted opening defines a path along which the fastener isadjustably positionable, with at least a portion of the path beingoriented skew with respect to both the length axis and the width axis.The first pivot joint further includes a first multiple-axis gimbal thatis adjustable between a free condition that permits movement about thefirst gimbal multiple axes, and a locked condition that restrictsmovement about the first gimbal multiple axes. The first gimbal supportsthe arm for coordinated movement therewith. The second pivot joint isrotatably connected about a second pivot axis to a base plate that isspecifically configured for removable connection to the electronicdevice. The second pivot joint further includes a second multiple axisgimbal that is adjustable between a free condition that permits movementabout the second gimbal multiple axes, and a locked condition thatrestricts movement about the second gimbal multiple axis. The secondgimbal supports the arm for coordinated movement therewith.

The first pivot joint may be selectively indexable into discreterotatable positions about the first pivot axis. The second pivot jointmay be selectively indexable into discrete rotatable positions about thesecond pivot axis. The first and second pivot axes may be parallel orskew with respect to one another. The arm may be extendable to adjust aspacing dimension between the first and second pivot joints.

In some embodiments, the brace surface may be relatively soft to enhanceengagement with the post. The surface may also be adapted to minimizethe transmission of vibration to the connected electronic device. Thesurface may therefore act as a vibration dampener. The brace surface mayexhibit a hardness of between 90 Shore A and 70 Shore D. At least aportion of the mount bodies, including the brace surfaces, may includean elastomer material. Other vibration dampening materials, however, arecontemplated as being useful for the brace surfaces and possibly otherportions of the mount bodies.

The adjustable mounting apparatus may include a plurality of slottedopenings in each of the first and second mount bodies, with respectivesets of slotted openings being arranged at the first and second mountbodies to receive one of a plurality of fasteners therein to therebyfasten the first and second bodies to the post, wherein the first andsecond bodies are positionable to sandwich the post. The length axisdefines a length of each of the first and second mount bodies, and thewidth axis defines a width of each of the first and second mount bodies.The length may be greater than the width, and the length axis and thewidth axis may together define quadrants of each of the first and secondmount bodies. At least one slotted opening may be positioned in each ofthe quadrants of each of the first and second mount bodies.

In some embodiments, a second arm extends between a third pivot jointand a fourth pivot joint, wherein the third pivot joint is rotatablyconnected about a third pivot axis to the mount. The first pivot jointmay be rotatably connected to the first mount body, and the third pivotjoint may be rotatably connected to the second mount body.

An electronic device may be secured to the adjustable mounting apparatusby positioning the first and second bodies to sandwich or bracket thepost, and connecting the fasteners to respective sets of the slottedopenings of the first and second mount bodies to thereby fasten thefirst and second bodies to the post. The electronic device may beconnected to the adjustable mounting apparatus, which may be compliantwith one or more of AMPS standard and VESA standard mounting arrays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a mounting apparatus of the presentinvention secured to a post.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a mounting apparatus of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a mounting apparatus of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away view of a portion of a mounting apparatusof the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a mounting apparatus of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a mounting apparatus of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a mounting apparatus of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the portion of the mounting apparatusillustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the portion of the mounting apparatusillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a portion of a mounting apparatus of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a mounting apparatus of the presentinvention secured to a post.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a mounting apparatus of the presentinvention secured to a post.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a portion of a mounting apparatus of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The objects and advantages enumerated above together with other objects,features, and advances represented by the present invention will now bepresented in terms of detailed embodiments described with reference tothe attached drawing figures which are intended to be representative ofvarious possible configurations of the invention. Other embodiments andaspects of the invention are recognized as being within the grasp ofthose having ordinary skill in the art.

An adjustable mounting apparatus as described herein includes the basicelements of pivot joints connected by an arm. With adjustability to eachelement, the mounting apparatus gains several degrees of freedom ofmovement for superior customizability of the positioning and orientationof the electronic device. The apparatus is securable to a supportstructure through a mount, which itself is adjustable to accommodatesupport structures of various size and configuration.

A mounting apparatus 10 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG.1 as being secured to a post 8. As described herein, the term “post” isintended to be broadly construed to mean a structure that may beinterposed between opposed bodies. Example posts include poles, rails,rods, railings, uprights, beams, studs, platforms, shelves, panels,walls, handles, hooks, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, post8 may form a portion of a frame structure in an industrial workenvironment.

Mounting apparatus 10 includes a first arm 12 extending between a firstpivot joint 14 and a second pivot joint 16. First pivot joint 14 isrotatably connected about a first pivot axis 18 to a mount 20 having afirst mount body 22 that is separate from and fastenable to a secondmount body 24. Second pivot joint 16 is rotatably connected about asecond pivot axis 26, optionally to a base plate 28 that may bespecifically configured for removable connection to an electronic device30. In some embodiments, the electronic device 30 may be removablyconnected to second pivot joint 16 without base plate 28, such as via anadaptor as described in greater detail below.

First pivot joint 14 is best illustrated in FIG. 4 and the exploded viewof FIG. 5. First pivot joint 14 coordinates with first mount body 22having an opening perimeter 48 that surrounds opening 45. Openingperimeter 48 is preferably provided with circumaxial recesses 48 a. Anindexing device 36 includes lock gears 38 that are selectivelyintermeshible with the array of circumaxial recesses 48 a in openingperimeter 48 to index first pivot joint 14 into discrete rotatablepositions about first pivot axis 18. Indexing device includes releasemembers 40 with buttons 42 to actuate lock gears 38 out fromintermeshing engagement with circumaxial recesses 48 a, therebypermitting rotation of first pivot joint 14 about first pivot axis 18with respect to first mount body 22. In the illustrated embodiment,release members 40 may be selectively actuated by depressing buttons 42radially inwardly against a bias force generated by spring 44. Movementof release members carries with them lock gears 38, which are connectedto or integrally formed with release members 40. Although two releasemembers 40 are illustrated in the example embodiment, it is contemplatedthat only a single release member 40 is required to engage and disengagefrom first mount body 22.

When lock gears 38 are intermeshed with circumaxial recesses 48 a, firstpivot joint 14 is locked from relative rotation with first mount body22. Release of lock gears 38 from engagement with circumaxial recesses48 a frees first pivot joint 14 to rotate about first pivot axis 18 withrespect to first mount body 22. Release members 40 may be guided to anextent by first pivot housing 46, which will be described in greaterdetail hereinbelow.

A gear plate 32 having a plurality of gear teeth 34 circumaxiallyarranged about a central axis of gear plate 32, which central axis iscoextensive with first pivot axis 18. Gear plate 32 may be secured tofirst mount body 22 in fixed relationship therewith, wherein gear teeth34 intermesh with circumaxial recesses 48 a such that rotationalmovement of first pivot joint 14 relative to first mount body 22correspondingly results in rotational movement of first pivot joint 14relative to gear plate 32. Gear plate 32 may be rotatably secured topivot housing 46 via a connector 49 that may permit rotation with a slipwasher, a bearing, or other known rotation means about a shaft.Connector secures gear plate 32 and pivot housing 46 to first mount body22.

First pivot joint 14 further includes a first multiple-axis gimbal 50for rotation about first gimbal axes, such as axes a, b, c. First gimbal50 may be in the form of a ball and socket joint, with ball 52 pivotallysecured at least partially within pivot housing 46. In preferredembodiments, pivot housing 46 includes first and second shell portions47 a, 47 b that are secured together with a bolt or locking shaft 54. Inthis manner, an engagement between ball 52 and pivot housing 46 may beadjusted by tightening or loosening bolt 54. Frictional resistance topivoting movement of ball 52 with respect to pivot housing 46 mayaccordingly be selectively adjusted by the user. Preferably, bolt 54threadably engages with threaded opening 56 in second shell portion 47 bto move first and second shell portions 47 a, 47 b with respect to oneanother, and to correspondingly adjust the frictional resistance topivotal movement of ball 52 with respect to pivot housing 46. Frictionalresistance may be adjusted to an extent to which spontaneous movement ofball 52 with respect to pivot housing 46 under gravitational force isprevented. This locking mechanism is preferably effective even when anelectronic device is mounted at base plate 28. In some embodiments,frictional resistance may be adjusted to an extent to which movement ofball 52 with respect to pivot housing 46 under even moderateexternally-applied force, such as from an external impact, is prevented.The extent of frictional resistance is preferably adjustable by the userthrough adjustment of bolt 54 received at threaded opening 56.

The pivoting degrees of freedom of ball 52 in pivot housing 46 isfurther enabled by bore 58, which has a cross-sectional diameter 59 thatis substantially greater than bolt shaft diameter 55. The resultantspace between bolt 54 and ball 52 in bore 58 permits multiple degrees ofpivoting freedom of ball 52 with respect to pivot housing 46. Inparticular, first gimbal 50 may be selectively permitted to pivot aboutmultiple axes, including orthogonal first gimbal axes a, b, c. Throughthe relationship of ball 52, bolt 54, and pivot housing 46, first gimbal50 may be selectively adjusted between a free condition that permitsmovement about multiple first gimbal axes, and a locked condition thatrestricts movement about the first gimbal axes. As described above, thelocked condition may prevent movement about one or more of the firstgimbal axes.

Arm 12 may be connected to or integrally formed with ball 52 of firstpivot joint 14. Arm 12 may be extendable to adjust a spacing dimension60 between first and second pivot joints 14, 16. Arm 12 may include afirst stub section 62 connected to or integrally formed with ball 52 offirst pivot joint 14, a second stub section 64 connected to orintegrally formed with ball 152 of second pivot joint 16, and a bridgesection 66 that can connect first and second stub sections 62, 64 to oneanother. In some embodiments, first and second stub sections 62, 64 maybe directly connectable to one another by omitting bridge section 66.Connecting screws 68 may be received in respective threaded openings 69of first, second, and/or bridge sections 62, 64, 66 to selectivelysecure the arm sections to one another. The optional use of bridgesection 66 forms the extendable capability of arm 12. It is contemplatedthat bridge section 66 may be a fixed configuration body, or may includeone or more pivot joints to increase the adjustability of mountingapparatus 10.

An alternative embodiment of arm 112 is illustrated in FIG. 13, in whicharm 112 includes a first stub section 162 that may be connected to orintegrally formed with ball 52 of first pivot joint 14, a second stubsection 164 that may be connected to or integrally formed with ball 152of second pivot joint 16, and a bridge section 166 that can connectfirst and second stub sections 162, 164 to one another. In someembodiments, first and second stub sections 162, 164 may be directlyconnectable to one another by omitting bridge section 166. Connectingscrews 68 may be used to secure the arm sections to one another or tothe bridge section 166. The optional use of bridge section 166 forms theextendable capability of arm 112. It is contemplated that bridge section66 may be a fixed configuration body, or may include one or more pivotjoints to increase the adjustability of mounting apparatus 110.

Arm 112 includes a configuration that may be optimized for strengthproperties. For example, first and second stub sections 162, 164 mayeach include a mount surface 163 a, 165 a that is angled (non-parallel)with respect to a second surface 163 b, 165 b thereof. In someembodiments, mount surface 163 a, 165 a may be angled by between 20-70°,and more preferably between 25-50° with respect to second surface 163 b,165 b, as depicted by angle α. Mount surface 163 a, 165 a of each offirst and second stub sections 162, 164 are preferably configured toengage one another in flush face-to-face relationship, and preferably sothat second surfaces 163 b, 165 b are parallel to one another when firstand second stub sections 162, 164 are secured together. Bridge section166 of arm 112 preferably includes mount surfaces 167 a and secondsurfaces 167 b, wherein mount surfaces 167 a coordinate with mountsurfaces 163 a, 165 a of first and second stub sections 162, 164 forflush mounting to bridge section 166. Thus, mount surfaces 167 a ofbridge section 166 may be angled (non-parallel) with respect to secondsurfaces 167 b thereof, as depicted by angle β. The angled mountsurfaces 163 a, 165 a, 167 a permit a relatively thick cross-sectionaldimension of arm 112, which increases a strength characteristic,particularly where first and second stub sections 162, 164 are connectedto respective first and second pivot joints 14, 16, as well as at bridgesection 166.

Second pivot joint 16 may be configured similarly to first pivot joint14 so that second pivot joint 16 enables independent rotation aboutsecond pivot axis 26. Second pivot joint 16 includes an adaptor body 132that is selectively indexable into discrete rotatable positions aboutsecond pivot axis 26. Adaptor body 132 includes a plurality of gearteeth 134 circumaxially arranged about a central axis of adaptor body132, which central axis is coextensive with second pivot axis 26. Anindexing device 136 includes lock gears 138 that are selectivelyintermeshible with the array of gear teeth 134 to index adaptor body 132of second pivot joint 16 into discrete rotatable positions about secondpivot axis 26. Indexing device includes release members 140 with buttons142 to actuate lock gears 138 out from intermeshing engagement with gearteeth 134, thereby permitting rotation of adaptor body 132 about secondpivot axis 26.

When lock gears 138 are intermeshed with gear teeth 134, adaptor body132 is locked from relative rotation with second pivot housing 146.Release of lock gears 138 from engagement with gear teeth 134 freesadaptor body 132 to rotate about second pivot axis 26 with respect topivot housing 146. Release members 140 may be guided to an extent bysecond pivot housing 146, which will be described in greater detailhereinbelow.

Adaptor body 132 may be secured to base plate 28 in fixed relationshiptherewith, such that rotational movement of gear plate 132correspondingly results in rotational movement of base plate 28 relativeto pivot housing 146. Adaptor body 132 may be rotatably secured to pivothousing 146 via a connector 149 that may permit rotation with a slipwasher, a bearing, or other known rotation means about a shaft.

Second pivot joint 16 further includes a second multiple-axis gimbal 150for rotation about second gimbal axes, such as axes x, y, z. Secondgimbal 150 may be in the form of a ball and socket joint, with ball 152pivotally secured at least partially within pivot housing 146. Inpreferred embodiments, pivot housing 146 includes first and second shellportions 147 a, 147 b that are secured together with a bolt or lockingshaft 154. In this manner, an engagement between ball 152 and pivothousing 146 may be adjusted by tightening or loosening bolt 154.Frictional resistance to pivoting movement of ball 152 with respect topivot housing 146 may accordingly be selectively adjusted by the user.Preferably, bolt 154 threadably engages with threaded opening 156 insecond shell portion 147 b to move first and second shell portions 147a, 147 b with respect to one another, and to correspondingly adjust thefrictional resistance to pivotal movement of ball 152 with respect topivot housing 146. Frictional resistance may be adjusted to an extent towhich spontaneous movement of ball 152 with respect to pivot housing 146under gravitational force is prevented. This locking mechanism ispreferably effective even when an electronic device is mounted at baseplate 128. In some embodiments, frictional resistance may be adjusted toan extent to which movement of ball 152 with respect to pivot housing146 under even moderate externally-applied force, such as from anexternal impact, is prevented. The extent of frictional resistance ispreferably adjustable by the user through adjustment of bolt 154received at threaded opening 156.

The pivoting degrees of freedom of ball 152 in pivot housing 146 isfurther enabled by bore 158, which has a cross-sectional diameter thatis substantially greater than bolt shaft diameter. The resultant spacebetween the bolt and ball 152 in bore 158 permits multiple degrees ofpivoting freedom of ball 152 with respect to pivot housing 146. Inparticular, second gimbal 150 may be selectively permitted to pivotabout multiple axes, including orthogonal second gimbal axes x, y, z.Through the relationship of ball 152, bolt 154, and pivot housing 146,second gimbal 150 may be selectively adjusted between a free conditionthat permits movement about multiple second gimbal axes, and a lockedcondition that restricts movement about the second gimbal axes. Asdescribed above, the locked condition may prevent movement about one ormore of the second gimbal axes.

First mount body 22 is fastenable to second mount body 24 with one ormore fasteners 70 received in respective slotted openings 72.Preferably, the first and second mount bodies 22, 24 are positionable tobracket or sandwich post 8 therebetween, wherein fasteners 70 areoperable to draw first and second mount bodies 22, 24 toward one anotherso as to frictionally engage with and fasten to post 8. Fasteners 70 mayinclude formations 71 for restricting rotation relative to first body 22when received in respective slotted openings 72. An example formation 71is a hexagonal head that is configured for engagement with opposingwalls of slotted openings 72 when the fastener 70 is received therein.

First and second mount bodies 22, 24 each have a length axis 74, a widthaxis 76 perpendicular to length axis 74, a brace surface 78, and agenerally opposed outer surface 80 defining a mount body thickness 82between brace surface 78 and outer surface 80. Length axis 74 defines alength 84, and width axis 76 defines a width 86 of each of first andsecond mount bodies 22, 24. Length 84 may be greater than width 86.Length axis 74 and width axis 84 together define quadrants 90 a, 90 b,90 c, and 90 d of each of first and second mount bodies 22, 24.

Slotted openings 72 are configured to receive a fastener 70 therein forsecuring first and second mount bodies 22, 24 to post 8. Slottedopenings may be through-apertures extending through thickness 82, or mayinstead form receptacles extending only partially through thickness 82.An aspect of the present invention is the adaptability of mountingapparatus 10, and particularly mount 20, to posts 8 of various shape andsize. The adaptability is facilitated by the shape and orientation ofslotted openings 72, the relative positioning of slotted openings 72with respect to one another, and the configuration of first and secondmount bodies 22, 24. In the illustrated embodiment, first and secondmount bodies 22, 24 each include four slotted openings 72, with oneslotted opening 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d in each quadrant 90 a, 90 b, 90c, 90 d. Each slotted opening 72 defines a path 73 along which thefastener 70 is adjustably positionable. Because path 73 is longer thanthe diameter of fastener 70, the position of fastener 70 within slottedopening 72 may be adjusted. At least a portion of path 73 is orientedskew with respect to both length axis 74 and width axis 76 so thatadjustment of the position of fastener 70 within slotted opening 72changes the spacing between fasteners 70. Preferably, mount 20 issecured to post 8 with fasteners 70 abutting post 8 to limit or preventmovement of mount 20 with respect to post 8. Adjustment of the spacingbetween fasteners 70 permits a customization of the overall fastenerspacing to accommodate posts 8 of various size and shape.

By way of example, FIG. 1 illustrates first and second mount bodies 22,24 secured to a 4″ cross-sectional diameter post 8 in a horizontalorientation with fasteners 70 positioned at respective first ends 92 ofslotted openings 72. This arrangement represents a maximum fastenerspacing. By contrast, FIG. 11 illustrates first and second mount bodies22, 24 secured to a 1″ cross-sectional diameter post 8 in a verticalorientation with fasteners positioned at respective first ends 92 ofslotted openings 72. This arrangement represents a minimum fastenerspacing for first and second mount bodies. It should be recognized thata variety of combinations of fastener spacing is available byincrementally adjusting a location of fasteners 70 within slottedopenings 72, as well as by selectively orienting first and second mountbodies 22, 24 with length axis 74 or width axis 76 parallel to a postaxis.

Fasteners 70 may be threaded bolts with threaded nuts or threadedfixtures. In some embodiments, the threaded nuts may be seated at arespective first and second mount body 22, 24 to be rotationally fixedwhile the respective bolt is threadably engaged therewith.

Brace surface 78 of first and second mount bodies 22, 24 may be providedwith one or more features to aid in grasping and otherwise engaging withpost 8, as well as to diminish the transmission of vibrations. In someembodiments, at least a portion of first and/or second mount bodies 22,24, including brace surface 78 includes a covering material such as anelastomer or other suitable material that provides a compliant andvibration-reducing surface. Brace surface 78 may exhibit a hardness thatis desirable for enhancing engagement to post 8. In some embodiments,brace surface 78 exhibits a hardness of between 90 Shore A and 70 ShoreD.

Brace surface 78 may further exhibit a surface roughness 94 forenhancing grip to post 8. In the illustrated embodiment, surfaceroughness 94 may comprise an array of spaced apart protrusions 95. Insome embodiments, protrusions 95 exhibit a hardness of between 90 ShoreA and 70 Shore D. Other configurations for surface roughness 94 are alsocontemplated by the present invention, including various patterns andcombinations of grooves, recesses, and protrusions.

Base plate 28 may be fixedly secured to adaptor body 132 so thatmounting apparatus is adaptable to both the AMPS standard mountingpattern (four holes located in a rectangular pattern spaced at 30.17mm×38.05 mm) and the VESA standard mounting pattern (four holes locatedin a square pattern spaced at either 75 mm each or 100 mm each). Adaptorbody 132 includes apertures or recesses 133 that set in an AMPS standardspaced array. Base plate may be secured to the AMPS standard array 133of adaptor body 132 at mounting features 96. Base plate 28 preferablyincludes one or more sets of mounting features 98 that are set in theVESA standard spacing array. As such, electronic devices 30 compliantwith one of these standards may be mounted either to adaptor body 132 orto base plate 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, mounting apparatus 10 may include a secondarm 112 extending between a third pivot joint 114 and a fourth pivotjoint 116. Third pivot joint 114 is rotatably connected about a thirdpivot axis 118 to second body 24 of mount 20. Fourth pivot joint 116 isrotatably connected about a fourth pivot axis 126 to a base plate 128that is specifically configured for removable connection to anelectronic device 130. In this embodiment, a single mount 20 mayadjustably support two electronic devices 30, 130.

The invention has been described herein in considerable detail in orderto comply with the patent statutes, and to provide those skilled in theart with the information needed to apply the novel principles and toconstruct and use embodiments of the invention as required. However, itis to be understood that various modifications can be accomplishedwithout departing from the scope of the invention itself.

1. An adjustable mounting apparatus for securing an electronic device toa post, the adjustable mounting apparatus comprising: an arm extendingbetween a first pivot joint and a second pivot joint, the first pivotjoint being rotatably connected about a first pivot axis to a mounthaving a first mount body that is separate from and fastenable to asecond mount body, each of the first and second mount bodies having abrace surface and a generally opposed outer surface defining a mountbody thickness therebetween, and a length axis and a perpendicular widthaxis, the first and second mount bodies each including a slotted openingthat is configured to receive a fastener therein to thereby fasten thefirst and second bodies to the post, the slotted opening defining a pathalong which the fastener is adjustably positionable, at least a portionof the path being oriented skew with respect to both the length axis andthe width axis, the first pivot joint further including a firstmultiple-axis gimbal that is adjustable between a free condition thatpermits movement about the first gimbal multiple axes, and a lockedcondition that restricts movement about the first gimbal multiple axes,the first gimbal supporting the arm for coordinated movement therewith,the second pivot joint being rotatably connected about a second pivotaxis to a base plate that is specifically configured for removableconnection to the electronic device, the second pivot joint furtherincluding a second multiple axis gimbal that is adjustable between afree condition that permits movement about the second gimbal multipleaxes, and a locked condition that restricts movement about the secondgimbal multiple axes, the second gimbal supporting the arm forcoordinated movement therewith.
 2. The adjustable mounting apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first pivot joint is selectively indexable intodiscrete rotatable positions about the first pivot axis.
 3. Theadjustable mounting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the second pivot jointis selectively indexable into discrete rotatable positions about thesecond pivot axis.
 4. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim 3wherein the first and second pivot axes may be parallel or skew withrespect to one another.
 5. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim 4wherein the arm is extendable to adjust a spacing dimension between thefirst and second pivot joints.
 6. The adjustable mounting apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the brace surface exhibits a hardness of between 90Shore A and 70 Shore D.
 7. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim 6wherein at least a portion of the first and second mount bodiesincluding the respective brace surfaces includes a vibration dampener.8. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim 5, including a pluralityof slotted openings in each of the first and second mount bodies, withrespective sets of slotted openings being arranged at the first andsecond mount bodies to receive one of a plurality of fasteners thereinto thereby fasten the first and second bodies to the post, wherein thefirst and second bodies are positionable to sandwich the post.
 9. Theadjustable mounting apparatus of claim 8 wherein the length axis definesa length of each of the first and second mount bodies, and the widthaxis defines a width of each of the first and second mount bodies,wherein the length is greater than the width, and wherein the lengthaxis and the width axis together define quadrants of each of the firstand second mount bodies.
 10. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim9, including at least one slotted opening in each of the quadrants ofeach of the first and second mount bodies.
 11. The adjustable mountingapparatus of claim 10 wherein the post has a cross-sectional width ofbetween 1-4 inches.
 12. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim 1wherein the locked condition prevents movement of the first gimbal andthe second gimbal.
 13. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim 12wherein the first and second gimbals are each movable about threeorthogonal axes.
 14. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim 1wherein the electronic device is a tablet computer, a cellular phone, apayment terminal, a computer monitor, a printer, or a scanner.
 15. Theadjustable mounting apparatus of claim 1, including a second armextending between a third pivot joint and a fourth pivot joint, whereinthe third pivot joint is rotatably connected about a third pivot axis tothe mount.
 16. The adjustable mounting apparatus of claim 15 wherein thefirst pivot joint is rotatably connected to the first mount body, andthe third pivot joint is rotatably connected to the second mount body.17. A method for securing an electronic device to the adjustablemounting apparatus of claim 8, the method comprising: (a) Positioningthe first and second bodies to sandwich the post; (b) Connecting thefasteners to respective sets of the slotted openings of the first andsecond mount bodies to thereby fasten the first and second bodies to thepost; and (c) Connecting the electronic device to the base plate. 18.The method of claim 17 wherein the base plate includes mounting featurescompliant with one or more of AMPS standard and VESA standard.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, including adjusting a position of the electronicdevice without adjusting the fasteners.
 20. The method of claim 19,including adjusting one or more of: (a) a rotational position of thefirst pivot joint about the first pivot axis; (b) a rotational positionof the second pivot joint about the second pivot axis; (c) a pivotablelocation of the first gimbal about one or more of the first gimbalmultiple axes; (d) a pivotable location of the second gimbal about oneor more of the second gimbal multiple axes; and (e) the spacingdimension between the first and second pivot joints.
 21. An adjustablemounting apparatus for an electronic device, comprising: a first couplersecurable to a post; a first pivot joint rotatably connected to thefirst coupler about a first pivot axis and including a first gimbal thatis movable about a plurality of first gimbal axes, the first gimbalhaving an inner gimbal member with a curved outer surface and an outergimbal shell at least partially enclosing the inner gimbal member, thefirst gimbal further including a tensioner for adjusting an engagementbetween the outer gimbal shell and the curved outer surface of the innergimbal member to selectively adjust frictional resistance to movement ofthe inner gimbal member with respect to the outer gimbal shell, thetensioner extending through a bore in the inner gimbal member; and asecond coupler that is movable with the first gimbal and securable tothe electronic device.
 22. The adjustable mounting apparatus as in claim21 wherein a bore wall defines the bore in the inner gimbal member, andwherein a space between the bore wall and the tensioner permits movementof the inner gimbal member about the plurality of first gimbal axes. 23.The adjustable mounting apparatus as in claim 21 wherein the tensioneris threadably receivable in the outer gimbal shell.
 24. The adjustablemounting apparatus as in claim 23 wherein the outer gimbal shellincludes first and second shell portions that are movable with respectto one another by the tensioner.
 25. The adjustable mounting apparatusas in claim 21 wherein the frictional resistance to movement of theinner gimbal member with respect to the outer gimbal shell is adjustablebetween a free condition that permits movement about the first gimbalmultiple axes, and a locked condition that restricts movement about thefirst gimbal multiple axes.
 26. The adjustable mounting apparatus as inclaim 21, including an arm supported by the first gimbal.
 27. Theadjustable mounting apparatus as in claim 26 wherein the arm connectsthe second coupler to the first gimbal.
 28. The adjustable mountingapparatus as in claim 27 wherein the arm connects the first gimbal to asecond pivot joint that is pivotably connected to the second couplerabout a second pivot axis.
 29. The adjustable mounting apparatus as inclaim 28, wherein the second pivot joint includes a second gimbal thatis movable about a plurality of second gimbal axes, and wherein the armconnects the first gimbal to the second gimbal.